New Delhi, May 29 -- Augustine of Hippo's quote, "Let the root of love be within," reminds us that true goodness begins with intention. The line comes from Augustine's reflections on love and action, where he argues that words, silence, correction and forgiveness become meaningful only when they grow from love. For modern readers, the quote is a powerful lesson on relationships, emotional maturity, leadership and daily conduct.

A fuller version of the line appears in Augustine's Homily 7 on the First Epistle of John: "Let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is good." The passage appears in the larger context of Augustine's famous teaching, "Love, and do what you will," where he explains that even silence,...